Home News Naughty Dog Games: Complete Release Timeline

Naughty Dog Games: Complete Release Timeline

Author : Jack May 03,2025

From pioneering the 3D platformer genre with Crash Bandicoot to crafting one of the most emotionally resonant narratives in gaming with The Last of Us, Naughty Dog has solidified its status as a titan in the world of game development. Known for its versatility across genres, the studio's iconic paw print logo has become a symbol of high-quality productions, compelling storytelling, and unforgettable characters that resonate far beyond the gaming community.

Naughty Dog's journey from creating vibrant, whimsical platformers to becoming the go-to studio for mature, narrative-driven experiences spans nearly two dozen games, encompassing everything from fantasy RPGs to educational titles. Let's explore every game Naughty Dog has released up to 2025.

How Many Naughty Dog Games Are There?

In total, Naughty Dog has released 23 games, starting with their debut in 1985 and culminating with their latest release in 2022. This list includes all original game releases, standalone expansions, and remakes. Note that remasters, such as The Last of Us Part 2 Remaster, and downloadable content (DLC) are not included in this count.

Every IGN Naughty Dog Game Review

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What's Your Favorite Naughty Dog Franchise?

  • The Last of Us
  • Jak and Daxter
  • Uncharted
  • Crash Bandicoot

All Naughty Dog Games in Order

1. Math Jam - 1985

Math Jam marked the beginning of Naughty Dog's journey. Developed by founders Jason Rubin and Andy Gavin under the name JAM, this Apple II game was an educational tool designed to teach basic arithmetic. It was self-published by the duo while they were still in high school, setting the stage for their future ventures into more recreational gaming.

2. Ski Crazed - 1986

At just 16 years old, Rubin and Gavin released Ski Crazed for the Apple II. This game challenged players to navigate their avatars down ski slopes, dodging obstacles and aiming for high scores, showcasing the duo's early foray into action gaming.

3. Dream Zone - 1987

Dream Zone was Naughty Dog's third game, venturing into the point-and-click adventure genre. Players navigated a whimsical dream world, interacting with its quirky inhabitants to find a way out, highlighting the studio's early experimentation with narrative-driven gameplay.

4. Keef the Thief - 1989

With the official adoption of the Naughty Dog name and a partnership with EA, Keef the Thief continued the studio's exploration of comedic point-and-click adventures. Players took on the role of Keef, a thief navigating a city and its surroundings, engaging with NPCs and pilfering items.

5. Rings of Power - 1991

Collaborating again with EA, Naughty Dog released Rings of Power for the SEGA Genesis. This isometric RPG followed sorcerer Buc on a quest to collect pieces of a shattered magical staff in the fantasy realm of Ushka Bau, battling a demon named Void along the way.

6. Way of the Warrior - 1994

Way of the Warrior marked Naughty Dog's entry into the fighting genre on the 3DO. Players chose a fighter to compete in a tournament, aiming to become legendary through combat, showcasing the studio's versatility in game design.

7. Crash Bandicoot - 1996

Crash Bandicoot was Naughty Dog's first major success and their debut on the PlayStation. This 3D platformer introduced players to Crash, a mutated bandicoot escaping the clutches of the evil Doctor Neo Cortex, setting the stage for a beloved franchise.

8. Crash Bandicoot 2: Cortex Strikes Back - 1997

In Crash Bandicoot 2: Cortex Strikes Back, Crash continued his battle against Neo Cortex, this time searching for magical crystals to thwart Cortex's new space station. The game expanded on the original with new mechanics and challenges across 25 stages.

9. Crash Bandicoot 3: Warped - 1998

Crash Bandicoot: Warped concluded Naughty Dog's trilogy, introducing time travel and a new villain, Uka Uka. Crash and his sister Coco navigated 25 new levels to collect crystals and stop Cortex's latest scheme, with Coco becoming a playable character.

10. Crash Team Racing - 1999

Crash Team Racing brought the Crash Bandicoot universe into the world of arcade racing. Players raced as iconic characters across hazardous tracks, competing in various modes and showcasing Naughty Dog's ability to diversify within a franchise.

11. Jak and Daxter: The Precursor Legacy - 2001

Jak and Daxter: The Precursor Legacy marked Naughty Dog's shift to a new 3D platformer series. Following Jak and his transformed friend Daxter, players explored large worlds to collect Precursor Orbs and thwart a dark eco plot, offering a more open-ended experience than Crash Bandicoot.

12. Jak 2 - 2003

Jak 2 took a darker turn, transporting Jak and Daxter to the dystopian Haven City. With new gameplay elements like guns and vehicles, and the introduction of Dark Jak, the game shifted the series toward a more mature narrative and action-packed gameplay.

13. Jak 3 - 2004

Jak 3 continued the darker tone, with Jak and Daxter exiled to The Wasteland. New features included additional vehicles, light eco powers, and weapons, culminating the trilogy with a blend of action and exploration.

14. Jak X: Combat Racing - 2005

Jak X: Combat Racing brought the Jak and Daxter universe into the racing genre, with players competing in combat races across various tracks, showcasing Naughty Dog's ability to expand their franchises into new gameplay styles.

15. Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune - 2007

Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune marked Naughty Dog's transition to cinematic storytelling on the PlayStation 3. Following treasure hunter Nathan Drake on a quest for El Dorado, the game combined third-person shooting with platforming, setting the stage for a blockbuster franchise.

16. Uncharted 2: Among Thieves - 2009

Uncharted 2: Among Thieves continued Nathan Drake's adventures, this time in search of Shambhala. With enhanced graphics and memorable set pieces, the game solidified Uncharted's reputation for thrilling action and narrative depth.

17. Uncharted 3: Drake’s Deception - 2011

Uncharted 3: Drake’s Deception concluded the PlayStation 3 era for the series, with Nathan Drake pursuing The Atlantis of the Sands. The game delved deeper into Drake's personal history, offering a fitting end to the trilogy.

18. The Last of Us - 2013

With The Last of Us, Naughty Dog crafted a post-apocalyptic masterpiece. Following Joel and Ellie through a world ravaged by a parasitic fungus, the game's emotional narrative and innovative gameplay cemented its place as one of the greatest video games ever made, later adapted into an HBO series.

19. The Last of Us: Left Behind - 2014

Initially released as DLC, The Last of Us: Left Behind became a standalone expansion, offering a prequel to the main story. It explored Ellie's past, adding depth to her character and the overarching narrative.

20. Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End - 2016

Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End brought Nathan Drake's saga to a close on the PlayStation 4. With new gameplay mechanics like a grappling hook and non-linear levels, the game provided a satisfying conclusion to Drake's adventures.

21. Uncharted: The Lost Legacy - 2017

Uncharted: The Lost Legacy shifted focus to new protagonists Chloe Frazer and Nadine Ross. Set in India, the game expanded on Uncharted 4's open-ended level design, offering a fresh take on the series.

22. The Last of Us: Part II - 2020

In The Last of Us: Part II, Ellie took center stage in a narrative-driven sequel set in a post-apocalyptic Seattle. With enhanced stealth mechanics and a divisive yet impactful story, the game pushed the boundaries of the series.

The Last of Us: Part 2 Remastered was released for PS5 in 2024 and on PC in 2025, featuring enhanced graphics and a new roguelike mode called No Return.

23. The Last of Us: Part I - 2022

Released in 2022, The Last of Us: Part I was a complete remake of the original game, including the Left Behind expansion. Utilizing the power of the PlayStation 5, it offered enhanced graphics, improved gameplay, and state-of-the-art accessibility options.

Upcoming Naughty Dog Games

PlayIntergalactic: The Heretic Prophet is Naughty Dog's next project, announced at the 2024 Game Awards. As their first new IP since The Last of Us, it's set to be a significant release, though not expected before 2027, potentially aligning with the PS6 generation.

While Intergalactic is the only confirmed game in development, studio head Neil Druckmann has hinted at a concept for The Last of Us Part 3, though he later stated it's unlikely. Meanwhile, The Last of Us Season 2, adapting the second game, is set to premiere on Max this weekend.